Hominids

The Neanderthal Parallax, Book 1

By: Robert J. Sawyer

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis, Robert J. Sawyer

Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Neanderthals have developed a radically different civilization on a parallel Earth. A Neanderthal physicist, Ponter Boddit, accidentally passes from his universe into a Canadian underground research facility. Fortunately, a team of human scientists, including expert paleo-anthropologist Mary Vaughan, promptly identifies and warmly receives Ponter. Solving the language problem and much else is a mini-computer, called a Companion, implanted in the brain of every Neanderthal. A computerized guardian spirit, however, doesn't eliminate cross-cultural confusion; permanent male-female sexuality, rape, and overpopulation are all alien to Ponter. Nor can it help his housemate and fellow scientist back in his world, Adikor Huld, when the authorities charge Adikor with his murder.

BONUS AUDIO: Author Robert J. Sawyer explains why Ponter Boddit is his favorite among all the characters he's created.

Hunt and gather: listen to more in the Neanderthal Parallax trilogy.

©2002 by Robert J. Sawyer (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Hugo Award Winner, Best Novel, 2003

"Sawyer is a writer of boundless confidence and bold scientific extrapolation." (The New York Times)

Sophomoric

I did finish listening - the story was not boring. But the dialog was rather clunky and awkward to listen to, especially between Mary and Ponter. Lines from Gone With The Wind, ET, and The Wizard of Oz were shamelessly borrowed. The ending, even for SciFI, stretches credibility to the breaking point and I'm happy to leave the story at its end, though there is a sequel, which is previewed and advertised at the end of this recording.

The narrators were good, though my usual criticism of males affecting female voices applies here - the females sound pretty much like, well, men trying to sound like women.

The names of the Neanderthals didn't seem to have any rhyme or reason - did they all have surnames and if so, how were they derived? I didn't look up the characters to see their names in writing, but I enjoyed hearing them as I imagined them - Ponter's daughters, Jasmine, Jazz-bo, Jazmo or Jazno, and Meg-a-Meg, and many whose names I just couldn't figure out at all.

I was annoyed at the continued put-down of human history/society and the elevation of the noble (and brilliant!) Neanderthal society. Of course there are things in human history that merit our shame, but I don't understand the purpose of the comparison in this book and its creation of a fictional "perfect" sentient species.

An origin science fiction story with great cast.

New Science Fiction with a great narrator. I recommend these three books to all my readers.

This is getting tiresome

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Yes the never ending "Humans are bad" theme thats cropping up in every book of the type

Would you ever listen to anything by Robert J. Sawyer again?

No

What does Jonathan Davis and Robert J. Sawyer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

No idea didn't read the book

Was Hominids worth the listening time?

Yes and no. It was a decent enough book at least the premiss was but the over played theme of "humans are bad" is just getting tiresome and depressing.

Any additional comments?

Very interesting world...

The idea of a parallel world to ours is not new, nor are stories about the discovery of neanderthal culture. What made this book good was the contrast between our human world and another.

I enjoyed this book!

What did you love best about Hominids?

I really liked the wide variety of characters and viewpoints. Canada was an interesting setting choice. I cared about the characters and I thought the science was neat too.

One of the best what if's of all time

The world created is not only believable, but also technically possible and in most cases desireable. Some areas are a little different (driverless cars!). A thoroughly enjoyable novel. The other two parts are equally engaging.
-AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY

great book, interesting culture and story

I loved it! I have read this series before, and it remains engaging and thought-provoking.

Entertaining and Educational!

I've always been interested in Evolution and have enjoyed fiction focusing on Neanderthals and our relationship with them way back when. I really debated whether or not to take a chance on these books (I'm half way thru the 2nd book, Humans, as I type) and I'm so glad I did. I love the actual science and feel like I'm learning so much. I love the characters too. Ponter and Mary are carrying the story so well. This idea of what could have happened or might still happen has me "thinking" so much about religion and politics and life in general. I love it when a book makes me think like this. Can't wait to finish Humans and then start on Hybrid. This author, Mr. Sawyer, must be one fascinating MIND.
Bottom line is... Go for it! Take a chance. Not many will regret the opportunity to think outside the box. It's really a treat to be so entertained while learning so much.

An Engaging Flight of Canadian Fantasy

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

One of the most entertaining books I've heard in years!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed all of them; not anyone in particular. Each character added so much to the story; it was balanced with no one character dominating the story.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where Pondar is standing on the Canadian Shield overlooking the spot where he would be living in the parallel dimension. Also where they are laying on the hood of the car looking up into the night sky.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I never listen to books all in one sitting. First of all I don't have that kind of time plus its more enjoyable to listen to books in bits. I usually put the timer on especially so with books I really enjoy; I don't want them to end.

Any additional comments?

I'm not big on fantasy and sci-fi but this one was a winner. The facts that were woven into the book - real locations (the neutrino observatory is real - actually exists in Sudbury); real history about our species and evolution really made the book come to life. The only thing that kind of threw me off that I feel didn't add anything to the book was the rape scene and the part where he flares his nostrils detecting the smell of her menstruating - that was a bit of a turn off.

A Neanderthal in Canada? Cool

I really enjoyed this book. The concept of a parallel universe where Neanderthals evolved to be the dominant species instead of us was interesting. Nothing really too technical in here, more of a stranger in a strange land story. Adding in a murder trial and a budding love story just raised the level a notch or two. A very good story matched with a very good audio performance led to a book that kept me engaged throughout.